Use Pre-1982 PenniesSubmitted by PennyCollector.com
Serious collectors will use pennies minted prior to 1982 because after 1982 the mint began to use a percentage of 99.2% zinc with a 0.8% copper - coating. In pre-1982 pennies that percentage was 95% copper, 5% zinc.
Although it is difficult to tell the difference between the two, it becomes more obvious once the penny is elongated. The elongation process will reveal the zinc below the copper and many collectors find the appearance of zinc in the design detracting from the design of the die itself.
Zinc doesn't polish very well either and tarnishes to a dark gray.
1909 - 1942, 1944-1962
95% copper, 5% tin & zinc
1943 - 1943
Steel coated with zinc
1962 to 1982
95% copper, 5% zinc
1982 to date
99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper - coated with a pure copper.
Serious collectors will use pennies minted prior to 1982 because after 1982 the mint began to use a percentage of 99.2% zinc with a 0.8% copper - coating. In pre-1982 pennies that percentage was 95% copper, 5% zinc.
Although it is difficult to tell the difference between the two, it becomes more obvious once the penny is elongated. The elongation process will reveal the zinc below the copper and many collectors find the appearance of zinc in the design detracting from the design of the die itself.
Zinc doesn't polish very well either and tarnishes to a dark gray.
95% copper, 5% tin & zinc
Steel coated with zinc
95% copper, 5% zinc
99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper - coated with a pure copper.